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Council approves emergency equipment purchase and cemetery vehicle; tables smoke‑free municipal‑property ordinance
Summary
The Common Council approved two transfer resolutions: an emergency $83,000 purchase for a replacement lift for central maintenance and a $50,000 transfer to buy a 2026 Ford F‑250 for cemetery operations. Council also tabled a second‑reading ordinance to make city property smoke‑free and scheduled a workshop to consider amendments.
The Michigan City Common Council on Feb. 3 approved two budget-transfer resolutions and tabled a second‑reading ordinance to allow further review.
The council unanimously approved an emergency transfer to purchase a six‑post lift for central maintenance. In a letter read into the record, the sponsor described repeated hoist failures and said parts are no longer obtainable for the department’s 30‑year‑old equipment. The sponsor recommended proceeding with the low quote from SLE Technologies for $83,000 under Sourcewell pricing. Superintendent Daryl Gorbaczyk told the council the manufacturer is no longer in business and parts must be sourced from Canada, leaving the department unable to keep vehicles in service without the new lift. The Board of Works had approved the purchase contingent on council approval; the council vote was recorded as nine in favor, zero opposed.
The council also approved a transfer of $50,000 within the cemetery extension fund to purchase a 2026 Ford F‑250. Cemetery Superintendent Jeff Wineski said the purchase will allow the department to reassign older vehicles and provide a coach vehicle for Swan Lake Cemetery; Graff Ford of Chesterton was identified as the responsive bidder. The resolution passed by unanimous roll‑call.
On second reading, an ordinance to designate city‑owned buildings and real property as smoke‑free was tabled to the next meeting so sponsors can hold a workshop and invite the park superintendent and park board. The motion to table passed 6–3 after council members raised concerns about enforcement, potential impacts on facility rentals and the need for stakeholder input.
Council also filled a vacancy on the Michigan City Social Status of African American Males Commission, appointing Danny Armstrong Jr. by a 6–3 vote.
